Dr.D.Senthil Kumar.,

Dr.D.Senthil Kumar.,
Consulting Physician & Psycologist

Please visit Vivekanantha Homoeo clinic & Psychological counselling Center Official web site


http://homeoall.com/


Skin care

Basic skin care does not involve use of expensive cosmetics & toiletries. One has to follow a very simple regime for skin care.


1. Diet: A well-balanced, regular diet along with adequate amount of water is all that you need. One must avoid the so-called junk food, too much of starvation in the form of dieting & eating at odd irregular hours.


2. Exercise: about 30 minutes of aerobics, walking, jogging or cycling at least five times a week is essential for a healthy skin.


3. Sun Protection: UVA & UVB rays could be harsh on the skin & cause photo damage in the form of increased pigmentation, freckles, premature aging & even skin cancers. Those with normal to dry skin can use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. People with oily skin should use an umbrella or a wide brimmed hat for sun protection.


4. Local skin care: the surface of the skin contains oil, dead cells, sweat, grime, dirt, grease & pollutants. If this is not removed, the skin looks dull & flaky. Cleansing is an important part of skin care & can be done with simple soaps or cleansers. The skin should be washed at least twice a day with soap & warm water. Deodorant soaps with antiseptic agents are good for oily skin. Super fatted soaps or glycerine-based soaps are good for dry & normal skin. For the skin to look healthy & glowing, its uppermost layer called stratum corneum should contain more than 10% of the total water content of the body. Thus, comes the role of a moisturizer. People with dry to normal skin should use a moisturizer twice a day after cleansing. Those with oily skin should be careful & use an oil free moisturizer only once a day.


Lastly, be gentle on your skin. Do not use harsh cosmetics. If you have a skin problem, seek professional advice.


CLEANSERS

A cleanser is one which removes dirt, sweat, sebum, micro-organisms (bacteria etc.), dead cells (stratum corneum) and make-up if used from the skin surface.


Cleansing comprises of three stages:

1. Wetting.

2. Emulsification and removal of grease.

3. Rinsing.


Deeply ingrained dirt, particularly in the pores of the hair follicles and sweat glands can be removed by warming the skin with hot water or a mild steam bath.


Normal pH of the skin is 4.5 to 5.5, this acidic pH changes to alkaline due to application of cleanser and gives a feeling of freshness in the skin.

Types of cleansers:


1. Soaps and cleansing bars: They are derived from fatty acids and tri-glycerides (fats and oils).

I. Routine bars.

ii. Deodorant or anti-microbicidal bars:
These have an added anti-bacterial agent to eradicate bacteria. These soaps have a pH between 9 - 10 and may cause skin irritation. They are good for oily skin.

iii. Moisturising base:
These have moisturising agents like lanolin or glycerine. Their pH is between 5 - 7, thus they are non-irritant. They are good for dry skin.

Functions: Soaps help cleansing, perfume the bath, softens the water, forms lather and gives the skin a cool and fresh feeling.


2. Lipid free cleansers / Face wash: These contain water, glycerine, and acetyl alcohol and do not contain any fat. They clean without soap formation and leave a thin moisturising film. They are good for sensitive and photo aged skin.


3. Cleansing creams: They are oil based products which remove grease and cosmetics on the skin by dissolving it in more oil. They are good for dry skin.


4. Cleansing Lotion: It is a water based product and is good for normal and dry skin. Since it is water based, it can be easily rinsed with water. It is commonly sold as pore cleanser.


5. Exfoliants: Help in removing dead cells (stratum corneum cells) from the skin.


6. Abrasive scrubs: They aid in removing dead cells and control excess sebum secretion. They are mechanical exfoliants made of granules in form of Aluminum oxide, ground fruit pits etc.


7. Cleansing masks / packs:

I. Setting masks - containing Fuller's earth ('Multani Mitti').

ii. Peel-off masks - containing gel and latex.

iii. Non-setting masks - containing cold cream or oil packs.

Setting and peel-off masks achieve cleansing, exfoliation and skin-tightening. They also refresh the skin. Non-setting masks only clean the skin.


MOISTURISERS

For the skin to remain normal and fresh, the upper most layers, namely the stratum corneum should contain more than 10% of the total water content. In places with tropical climate like India, heat, sun-rays and pollution tend to dry the skin. Thus, use of a moisturiser becomes essential.

Basic components of moisturisers are:

1. Occlusive oils: They retard water loss from the skin.

2. Humectants: They increase the water content of the skin by absorbing water from the environment and lower layers of skin.

3. Hydrophilic matrices: They prevent water loss and have a soothing action.

4. Others: Water, sun-screens, emulsifying agents, preservatives, fragrances and colouring agents.

5. Special additives: Ceramides, Vitamins, EFA's, Aloe Vera, Urea, Lactic acid, Alfa-hydroxyl acids, collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic acid.


A moisturiser should be used after bath on a moist skin surface. One may even use a sun-screen during the day and a moisturiser at bed time.

People with normal or dry skin can use both creams and lotions which have water in oil emulsion.

Those with oily skin should avoid using creams. Lotions with oil in water formulations are best suited for oily skin.


SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS

Hair is aesthetically a very important part of the human body. All of us desire to have smooth, soft and lustrous hair. This is done with use of shampoos and conditioners.


It is important to understand one's hair type to make the right choice of shampoos and conditioners.

1. Normal

2. Dry: This type may be a result of

a. Lack of sebum.

b. Environmental factors like sunlight, wind, sea water, chlorinated water (as in swimming pool).

c. Chemical treatment like hair colouring

d. Mechanical injury such as straightening and perming

3. Oily or greasy hair: This happens because of excessive sebum secretion from sebaceous glands in the scalp.



SHAMPOOS

Shampoo is a suitable detergent for washing hair, removing sebum, sweat, dirt and dead cells present on the hair shaft and scalp.

TYPES OF SHAMPOOS


A.BASIC SHAMPOOS

1. Normal hair shampoos: They achieve good cleansing with minimum conditioning.

2. Oily hair shampoos: They give excellent cleansing and very minimal conditioning.

3. Dry hair shampoos: They cause mild cleansing and good conditioning. They reduce static electricity and make the hair more manageable.

4. Damaged hair shampoos: Meant for hair which have been chemically treated with hair colour, bleaching agents or hair straightening agents. They have mild detergents and more conditioner in order to temporarily repair the hair surface defects.


B.BABY SHAMPOOS
these are formulated with 'amphoteric surfactants' which cause little or no irritation. They are mild and can also be used by adults who wish to wash their hair everyday.


C. MEDICATED SHAMPOOS

1. Anti-dandruff shampoos: They, in addition to the regular ingredients also contain additives such as anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, Selenium Sulphide, Zinc Pyrithione, Tar derivatives etc.


They remove sebum, oil, scalp scales and the anti-fungal acts on the fungus 'Pityrosporum ovale' which is usually the cause of dandruff.

2. Anti-Lice shampoos: They contain Gama-benzene hexa-chloride or Permethrin which kill the lice when applied in a proper manner.


D. CONDITIONING SHAMPOOS
they are a combination of shampoo and conditioner. These products may be self-defeating since the shampoo removes sebum, the body's natural conditioner and replaces it with an artificial conditioner.



CONDITIONERS

Shampooing, drying, combing, brushing, dyeing, permanent waving, straightening and styling damage the hair and make it harsh, brittle and entangled. Hair conditioners reverse this hair damage and make the hair manageable, glossy and soft. They increase the strength and reduce the brittleness of the shaft. Conditioners also attempt to mend the split ends ('split ends' result from extensive damage to hair shaft).


Conditioners are designed to revert the hair damage caused by several factors as given below.

1. Grooming: Damage after wet combing, blow drying, wet brushing leads to damage of the hair cuticle.

2. Environmental insults: Hair may become discoloured. There may be damage to the cuticle, split ends and finally breakage of hair may occur due to weathering.

3. Chlorine and salt water: This weakens the hair shaft causes split ends and cracks in the cuticle.

4. Heat styling: Blow drying and hot rollers damage the tensile strength of the hair.

5. Chemical agents: Permanent hair colours, bleaching increase the frictional force of the hair and consequently the combing force leading to breakage. Perming and straightening reduces the tensile strength of the hair and causes hair loss.


TYPES OF CONDITIONERS

1. Instant conditioners: They are applied following a shampoo, left on the hair for 5 - 10 minutes and rinsed. They provide minimal conditioning due to short contact time.

2. Deep conditioners: Usually are marketed as creams. Their ingredients are similar to instant conditioners but are more concentrated. They have to be left on the scalp for 20 - 30 minutes before rinsing. They provide good conditioning.

3. Leave in conditioners: They are applied after drying the hair and are left on till the next shampoo. They are in the form of blow drying lotions and hair thickeners.

4. Sunscreen conditioners: Excessive exposure to sun can cause dryness, loss of colour and roughening of surface texture. PABA and Benzophenones are added to conditioners which provide sun protection to hair.


MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • They seal split ends.
  • They protect the cuticle which covers and protects the hair shaft.
  • They restore the acidic pH of the hair which is disturbed by the alkaline pH of the shampoos.
  • They cause 'fly-away hair to become smoother and more manageable.


In brief dry, brittle and lustreless hair become shiny, bouncy, glossy and strong




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Fresh in Juicy





1.  APPLE: The apple is considered as one of the best fruit. It is constipating, nourishing and easily digestible. It helps to quench thirst. It appeases bile and windiness, cures dysentery and strengthens intestines. Though the apple has laxative qualities, the pectin in it checks diarrhea. Its pectin content relieves cough and helps in eliminating toxic elements from the body. It helps in decreasing the acidity in the stomach. It vitalizes the heart, the brain, the liver and the stomach. It serves as a good remedy for gout and arthritis. It is a valuable remedy for jaundice and in cases where kidneys and liver are diseased. It works as an appetizer and improves the quality of blood. Besides having apples in its juice form, apples when consumed by masticating sufficiently, exert an antiseptic influence on the germs present in the mouth and teeth, through its slight acid content.

2. ORANGE: The orange is a rich source of vitamin C. The white membrane surrounding the sections of the orange is an excellent source of calcium. The orange is useful in asthma and bronchial troubles. It helps in overcoming constipation. Orange juice cleanses the stomach and intestines and thus increases the digestive power of these digestive organs.

3. PAPAYA 
: The ripe papaya increases virility, is beneficial to the heart, helps alleviate insanity, effective in liver troubles, is a good medicine for constipation, hyperacidity and urinary disorders, is helpful in expelling round worms from the digestive tract. In cases where patients have taken a course of antibiotics, papaya is recommended to hasten the restoration of friendly symbiotic bacteria in the gut which would have been destroyed by drugs. Papaya cleanses the body completely. Papaya has been recommended for use as a part of treatment for cancer. It gives relief in asthma too. It is also known to help in menstrual disorders.

4. PINEAPPLE: Fresh pineapple has an antiviral property which exercises a soothing effect on the throat and prevents throat infections. In diphtheria it is used in removing the dead membrane from the throat Chlorine contained in pineapple juice stimulates the activity of the kidneys and helps to remove toxic elements and waste products from the body. Besides this, it destroys intestinal worms and is beneficial to the heart. Pineapple also helps in menstrual disorders. Pineapple juice also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This is helpful in athletic injuries, joint pain and post-surgery swelling. It is also helpful for patients with Arthritis.

5. POMEGRANATE: Only sweet pomegranates are used for medicinal purpose. Pomegranates are constipating. They increase intellect. They vitalize the body and satisfy hunger. They cure dysentery and increase blood in the body. Pomegranates are effective in all types of fevers.

6. FIGS (FRESH OR DRY): Figs can be taken as a juice or just eaten. Small children and pregnant women should eat figs to gain vigor. If fresh figs are not available, dry figs can be used with the same benefits. Dry figs, soaked in water for 12 hours become smooth and soft. Soaking activates the enzymes in the fig. Figs relieve constipation. Figs help in easing uric troubles and also keep the liver, the stomach and the intestines functioning efficiently. It energizes the body.


7. SWEET LIME: Sweet lime juice should be considered indispensable in the event of illness.


8. CARROT: Carrots contain carotene (pro-vitamin A) which is beneficial to the eyes. The calcium in carrot is easily digestible; hence daily requirement of calcium may be met by intake of sufficient quantity of carrot only. Carrot is a wholesome diet for growing children. In the preparation of carrot-juice the yellow part in the center should be discarded. Carrots chewed can cleanse and strengthen the teeth. Grated carrot mixed with a pinch of salt has beneficial effects on eczema. Carrots contain a hormone known astocokinin which is an insulin-like compound, useful in diabetes. Carrots are useful in gallstone problems, liver diseases, tuberculosis, scanty urination and scanty menstruation. Carrots can develop resistance to cancer, can check growth and spread of cancer cells and heal intestinal ulcers.


9. GRAPES: Grapes are helpful in eliminating thirst, burning sensation in the stomach, fever, asthma, leprosy, tuberculosis, irregular menstruation, vomiting, obesity, hepatitis, jaundice and also help decrease gastric acidity. They give relief in uric troubles, burning sensation in the bladder and kidney stones. They help in arthritis, irregular and painful menstruation and bleeding, in cases of anemia, relieving constipation and piles, creating a soothing effect on excessive secretion of bile and burning sensation in the stomach, in cleansing and cooling of blood. Like carrots, grapes are also effective in cases of cancer.

10. JAMBUL : In liver diseases, jambul-juice works like liver extract. Jambul should be soaked in cold water for an hour or two before juice is extracted. Jambul should not be taken on an empty stomach as it promotes windiness but can be had after meals. Milk should not be taken 3 hours before or after the consumption of jambul. Jambul is forbidden for a woman just after delivery or for one who observes fast. Jambul juice is many a time more effective than costly liver extract injections. Jambu is an excellent treatment for diabetes, indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, kidney stones and leprosy and removes blood impurities.

11. WATER MELON & MUSK MELON 
: Melon mostly contains water and little or no fiber. It can, therefore, be taken either directly or in its juice-form. Melon soothes burning sensation in the stomach. It eliminates acidity from the body. It cures constipation. It is very helpful in curing diseases related to the kidney. It is very beneficial in chronic and acute eczema.


12. BITTER GOURD (KARELA) 
: A glass of bitter gourd juice taken on empty stomach is surely beneficial and in many cases proven to be a remedy for jaundice, arthritis. It also helps in purification of blood, elimination of worms thriving in the intestine, relief in piles, dissolving kidney-stones, fever, cough, bile, anemia, leucoderma and most important of all, diabetes

13. SPINACH (PALAK):The juice of spinach in its raw state can eliminate cough, asthma and toxic elements, reduce acidity, bestow health, allay bile disorders.


14. CUCUMBER:
 Cucumber benefits in rheumatic conditions. It is an excellent remedy for uric troubles. Those who suffer from diabetes and those who want to lose weight should make a liberal use of cucumber.

15. BEETROOT: Large quantities of beet-juice aids recovery in cases of malignancy. Beet-juice mixed with juice of carrots can help attain best results.


16. TOMATO:
 The tomato juice is an excellent part of diet for diabetics and those who desire to lose weight as it has a low carbohydrate content. It gives relief in liver diseases. It is very important for anemic patients.

17. ONION: The juice of the onion together with sugar is a capital remedy for bleeding piles. Eating onion in the morning and at bed-time is beneficial In jaundice. Onion-juice with honey daily in the morning for 2 to 3 weeks can increase one's virility. White onions are recommended for medicinal use. The onion is very useful in respiratory disorders.

18. CABBAGE: Although cabbage is eaten raw in salads and cooked and eaten as a vegetable, its medicinal benefit can be acquired only when taken in juke form. The outer green leaves of the cabbage are an excellent source of vitamin A and have a high content of iron and hence should not be thrown away. However the inner white leaves are devoid of it. 450 ml of cabbage juice (as a one-time consumption) taken at intervals of few hours everyday can cure ulcers. In most cases pain subsides within five days and healing occurs by the fourteenth day. Cabbage juice is very effective for treatment of arthritis, pyorrhea, indigestion, anemia, defective vision and obesity.

19. PUMPKIN (Red Pumpkin): Pumpkin and its seeds are useful in maintaining the health of the prostate gland. Pumpkin preserves and increases virility. It is good for the heart. It eliminates kidney disorders such as kidney stone and controls the secretion of bile. No other vegetable or fruit contains as much Vitamin B as the pumpkin. Only a very ripe pumpkin should be used for juice and the seeds should be ground as well. It works very powerfully to push out worms from the digestive tract. The juice helps to lower diabetes.

20. FRENCH BEANS:
 French beans are very effective for people having diabetes as the juice of the French bean stimulates the production of insulin. It can be had along with cabbage juice. The juice can be strained before consumption.

21. RAW POTATO JUICE : is known to be a natural cure for arthritic condition. This type of treatment is used for centuries. Wash the potato, cut into very thin slices, do not remove the skin, put it in a glass filled with cold water over night. Drink this water in the morning on an empty stomach. This will show you positive results.

22. Mango: Mangoes contain phenols; this is a good antioxidant and has anticancer properties. Pregnant women and people with anemia should have this juice regularly as it has a high content of iron. Mango juice should also be consumed by people who have digestion related problems including acidity. Ripe mango juice helps in production of gastric juice, blood, bone marrow and semen. This fruit is also helpful for liver disorders.




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